Kuyper College Appoints Athletic Director & Women's and Men's Basketball Coaches.

Dr. Mel Flikkema, Kuyper College provost, announced today the appointments of Christine Gruppen as Athletic Director of Kuyper College effective July 1, 2007.  He also announced the appointment of Candice Kalman as the new varsity women's basketball coach and Zachary Harris as the new varsity men's basketball coach at the College.  Both Kalman and Harris will lead the development of their respective basketball programs including recruitment of players. In their positions, Kalman and Harris will report to Gruppen.

As Athletic Director, Gruppen will be responsible for the administration of all sports at the College.

Kuyper College is a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA).  Kuyper will field women's and men's basketball teams beginning in the fall of this year.

"We are delighted to have someone of the caliber and character of Christine at Kuyper," commented Dr. Flikkema. "Out of the many fine candidates we considered she impressed the search committee with her experience, dedication to her profession and enthusiasm. As someone who has coached several sports, been involved in both the development of physical education curriculum as well as a full sports program, she will be able to use her experience to develop and guide Kuyper's new athletic program.

Currently, Gruppen is Athletic Director of Crossroads Charter Academy in Big Rapids, Michigan. In addition to that position she also coaches both basketball and soccer.

Gruppen is a graduate of Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Speaking of the newly appointed basketball coaches Flikkema said. "We are very fortunate to have Candice and Zach leading the women's and men's basketball programs of the College. Their knowledge of basketball, both as players and as coaches, and their disciplined approach to the game bodes well for the future of Kuyper basketball."

Prior to her appointment Kalman held positions as head basketball coach at the International Christian School in Seoul, South Korea, and as freshmen girl's basketball coach at Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Michigan. She is currently girl's assistant varsity basketball coach at Calvary Schools of Holland in Holland, Michigan.  Kalman played ball at Hudsonville High School, at Grand Rapids Community College and at Hope College, where she lead the women's varsity team as captain. She also spent time playing and coaching overseas. Kalman holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Hope College and Western Michigan University.

Prior to his appointment Harris held assistant varsity head coach positions at Alma, Aquinas and Grace Bible colleges. In addition he has been an assistant coach at the professional level for the Grand Rapids Hoops and the Great Lakes Storm, both of the CBA. During his college career Harris played at Finlandia University in Michigan and at Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin.

Harris is a graduate of Finlandia University in Michigan.